Why do we obey?

We always find order in chaos. If we look up the moon, we could form ours own figures from the randomness of its dark spots and shadows. Some people see a face; others, a bunny. Even in the formation of clouds or constellations. We made up our own zodiac signs (in the form of greek characters) from star constellations. There was a heated debate about the discovery of a civilization in Mars. A satellite snap shot captures a bird's eye view of a huge rock formation.

We are naturally programmed to organize ourselves. This is one factor why the human specie has become successful in surviving the harsh environment with little natural defenses. Because of our ability to adapt and to assess difficult situations, we were able to process complex problems and solve with a proper methodological framework of reason. With order we are able to think systematically. Because of order, we were able to recognize the value of numbers and teamwork in survival. We were able to plan ahead and set up traps for our food. However, this cannot be possible without social organization. We developed a system for uniformity and continuity based from past experience, depending on the circumstances of history. This system we follow just like our instincts because presumably it's how it works and it's just the way it is. We owe it from our ancestors.

The system becomes tradition as it is passed on may it be a political system, ideology, religion or social customs. To remedy chaos, we structure order, in the form of government, law, trade and justice because we know that chaos and confusion can lead to our downfall for when there is confusion, we do not think rationally as expected of us humans. We think about almost the same level as other animals, instinctively. The world will become every man for himself, which is not good for fragile beings that are meant to group. And when it is every man for himself, we are very much capable of killing our own specie compared to other animals.

Upon waking up in this world, we immediately attach ourselves to our environment, putting utmost trust to the surroundings we are introduced with within our comfort zone. We immediately accept whatever norms or order the system has imposed for us as we grow. Why should things be that way? Are these things meant to be? Are we required by society to follow? Is it our fate to follow and not of our choice?

Unlike other animals, we are able to think beyond our natural instincts. Having the will gives us freedom; but at what cost? Is it safe to think freely without the preconception of the way things are and what make up our world? How can we know how free we are? How can we know how free we are supposed to be? Are we all slaves of society?

Sometimes we have to accept that we have to follow the path of the system for the system is imposed for the greater good. The purpose of its existence is to benefit society. The system may be a cycle that inevitably occurs except for special cases. However, times change. The thinking, beliefs and knowledge of people change. This is why regular assessment of the system must be made to assure its compatibility with the times, without any bias coming from the past. There is always a gray area. But what the system recognizes are black and white. In time, the gray area gets wider and wider. Our society becomes more and more complex, as technology and lifestyle evolve. This is why we must be vigilant and sensitive about what is going on around us to know what is the most optimal choice.

We all fight for what is right. Even the most villainous people in the history know that they are right and they did not exactly mean to be evil. They knew that their "right" will bring more order. This order gives them more security and comfort that they pursue it so much that they know it will be right for everyone else. This is the mistake of many of our leaders. People get too affected with the pains and difficulties they have experienced from the current system that they immediately assume that what they think to oppose it will be right for everyone. This kind of thinking caused too many wars. People should consider the bigger picture and what works for everyone. When nothing works for any group in the society, then the system is a failure. This time the system must obey the people for it to survive because the system is useless without people.

There are too many groups/agents in society that makes it really hard to please everyone given the constraints in governance. But when a system is too hard headed, stiff and inflexible to the changes of time, then the system is not there to serve and benefit all but to maintain the power of that who implements. It becomes control. Control can be good to eliminate as much as possible the random factors of life. However, if this control is too much that it can intervene even in the most random, then it must be erradicated for it will damage the lives of the innocent.

We all have our own moral compass and if the state will slap what is good and right into our faces, then it damages the freedom built in each of us. The legitimacy is then questioned.